Since 1798 when Dr. David Jenner developed the first vaccine against smallpox, the vaccine industry has seen its share of highs and lows. Presently, the vaccine field is experiencing dramatic growth due to the emergence of new technologies, increased public awareness and access to health care globally, and easing of some government restrictions. Sheffield brand products have been applied in the commercial manufacture of vaccines since the 1960s.

While vaccines can be prophylactic or therapeutic, the FDA prefers to classify them based on their origins. Such sources include animal, viral, or microbial/cellular. Examples would be fertilized chicken eggs (animal), Madin Darby Canine Kidney cells (viral), and Clostridia (microbial). Despite the historical prevalence of the chicken egg production method, the growing trend is to produce vaccines via cell systems, as these provide a multitude of advantages, not the least of which is shortened response times in the event of a pandemic.